May 21, 2007
Former MAA President Deborah Tepper Haimo died at the age of 85 in Claremont, Calif. on May 17, 2007. Professor Haimo served as MAA President from 1991-92. During her tenure as president she helped reorganize the MAA's committee structure, created the Franklin and Deborah Tepper Haimo award honoring outstanding teaching, and encouraged the participation of women in mathematics at every level and in the MAA.
Professor Haimo attended Radcliffe College as an undergraduate and received her PhD from Harvard in 1964. She went on to a distinguished teaching career at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. After retirement she moved to La Jolla, Calif. and became active in the department of mathematics at the University of California, San Diego, participating in seminars and social events.
Haimo is remembered by MAA Secretary Martha Siegel, who says: "Many of us who knew and worked with Debbie found her an excellent role model, a person with high personal and professional standards. She had a strong work ethic in everything she tackled. She made many significant contributions to the MAA when she served as President in 1991 and 1992. Our Association owes a great deal to her leadership."
Deborah Tepper Haimo is survived by five children; Zara, Ethan, Nina, Leah, and Varda Tepper Haimo, 13 grandchildren and one great grandchild.
There will be a memorial service on May 28, 2007 at Varda Haimo's home, 12 Jean Road, Lexington MA from 7-9 pm. Those who wish may make contributions in Professor Haimo's memory to the Mathematical Association of America. Please make checks payable to 'MAA', write 'In memory of Deborah Haimo' on the memo line, and send to: MAA Headquarters